In an effort to help major establishments curb loss prevention, the Long Beach Police Department partnered with multiple retailers in a shoplifting sting, resulting in the arrest of 71 individuals.

The three-day operation–spread across 43 various Albertsons, CVS, Rite Aid, Smart & Final, Stater Bros., Target, Vons, Walgreens, and Wal-Mart stores throughout the city–was spread over March 14, 15, and 16 to help retailers recover stolen items, which ranged from toiletries to alochol. Burglary Detectives and Directed Enforcement Officers from the LBPD paired with 100 loss prevention specialists attached to the retail outlets to help arrest, cite, or identify suspects and detain them.

The operation, dubbed “Spring Cleaning,” resulted in 24 felony filings, 42 misdemeanor filings, 6 juvenile petitions, and 71 civil demand notices issued by each business.

“Our team effort sent a message to those inclined to steal from retailers,” said Sergeant Robert Woods in a press release. “Think twice; if you’re caught, you run the risk of being arrested, prosecuted, and liable for paying the money back.”

For additional information regarding this operation, please contact the Long Beach Burglary Sergeant Robert Woods at (562) 570-7351.